Volunteer Spotlight- Lisa Holznagel

“I discovered that the horse is life itself, a metaphor but also an example of life’s mystery and unpredictability, of life’s generosity and beauty, a worthy object of repeated and ever changing contemplation.” –Jane Smiley

The passion for horses has run through Lisa Holznagel’s life from the very young age of four. But as I sat listening on the shaded porch of the house Lisa and her husband Jon share, I would have to beg to differ that the passion for horses was planted in Lisa at infancy, before her memory had even kicked in.

Lisa volunteering at the 2013 Horsin Around at the Derby Fundraiser for Equest

Horse shows, leather, sweat, manure, hard work, and responsibility shaped Lisa’s growing up years. From 4-h to breed shows her life was surrounded by horses and all that went along with them. After graduating high-school, Lisa went on to get her Associates in Equine Studies at Finley College, now known as Finley University. After her college years, training, showing, and assisting continued. Small 4-h and open shows turned into Nationals and even some out of the country events. Yet, as I sat across the table listening to Lisa share about her past memories and experiences, I got the feeling she never lost sight of what makes the horse an incredible and special creature.

Lisa met her husband Jon in Illinois, they have since moved up to Michigan and make their home in the Sand Lake area with their three horses, four cats, and an ever faithful dog.

Lisa and one of her three horses, Lily.

After being inspired by a co-worker to volunteer and having run into an Equest booth at the horse expo, she came out to the farm in February of 2013 and has since been a faithful volunteer. On Thursday nights one can find Lisa leading a big bay gelding named Roman around the arena or jumping into completing any task that is needed.

She says the positive climate surrounding Equest is what keeps her coming back to the farm. Lisa’s passion for horses shines through her work both with the horse itself, with the riders, and with the fellow volunteers on Thursday nights. She is an ever faithful blessing to Equest in so many ways and we are honored to have her be a part of our organization.

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My 5 year old son Ezequiel Gonzalez has been attending Equest Center for the last two years. Ezequiel has Spinal Muscular Atrophy type II. He loves his horse back riding (that is the name for Equest at our house). Not only is it great for his therapy for him, it is also an extra curricular activity. He only receives therapy twice a week at school. The thing with his muscles is they need as much activity as he can get; because he will always have to fight growth, weight gain, and weakness for the…

Courtney Moose, Parent of Equest Rider

In the eloquent words of outstanding speaker and Equest rider John Agar;
“Equest blazes the way for me and kids like me to achieve their dreams and reach their greatest potential. With YOUR help, more kids will be able to experience their future, not from just their wheelchairs looking up at others, but from atop a horse looking out over their future.”

John Agar, Equest Rider

At 8 months my daughter Devin was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. At age 3 ½ the physical therapist we were working with suggested we look into Equest. At the time I could not even get Devin to ride “Sandy” the penny pony at Meijer and could not imagine her on a real horse, but was willing to check it out. I called Equest and arranged a time for us to visit and observe a lesson. I was amazed at the number of volunteers working with the students in the arena. In that particular cl…